Arya
Meaning: Noble goddess
"Game of Thrones" fans instantly recognize Arya as the spunky younger daughter of the Stark family whose lives seem to attract danger and adventure at every turn. In the non-Westeros real world, the Indian-derived name has shot up the charts since the premiere of HBO's "Game of Thrones" in 2011, and it is one of the fastest-growing baby names for girls in the U.S.
Jon
Meaning: God has given
Thanks to the enigmatic half-brother of the Stark clan, Jon Snow, the name Jon began to regain some ground in 2012 after falling in popularity over the previous decade. Traditionally, the name is a derivative of Jonathan and you might find yourself constantly having to correct people who spell your baby's name John, but if you're a fan of the R+L=J theory, it might be worth the effort.
Brienne
Meaning: Strong
Brienne is a Celtic name and is the feminine version of the masculine name Brian. In "Game of Thrones," Brienne is a knight who fights hard to prove her worth in a world where women aren't typically allowed to participate in sword fights and battles, so it works great as a name that's both decidedly female and inherently feminist-leaning.
Brandon
Meaning: Sword
One of the most traditionally popular names found in "Game of Thrones," Brandon has Anglo-Saxon origins. In the series, Brandon is the full name of the young Stark boy with special powers that let him see through the eyes of animals. Brandon's nickname, Bran, is short and memorable, and the name's ranking ensures that it is familiar even to people who aren't fans of the series.
Catelyn
Meaning: Pure
The Irish name Catelyn is the name of the strong-willed matriarch of the Stark clan in "Game of Thrones." While the name isn't ranked among the most popular baby names when spelled this way, the variant spelled Katelyn comes in at No. 143, so choosing Catelyn strikes a nice balance between easy-to-pronounce and unusual.
Jaime
Meaning: One who supplants
The master swordsman Jaime inspires intense feelings from many "Thrones" fans, but whether you love or hate the character, the name falls definitively in the "love" category for many Americans. Originating in Spain, the name is a variant of James, and it works for both boys and girls.
Margaery
Meaning: Pearl
When it comes to names with medieval appeal, Margaery stands out. Traditionally, the name is spelled Margery, but the aspiring queen who marries two different kings in her quest for the throne adds an extra letter to give the name a bit more flair. While the name doesn't currently rank in popularity, it does have long-lasting appeal. English writers, witches and mystics have all sported this pretty name, giving it a storied history that stretches beyond Westeros.
Tyrion
Tyrion isn't a traditional name but was invented by George R.R. Martin as a moniker for the man who just might be the most intelligent character in the entire series. Tyrion's biting wit and ability to find his way out of seemingly hopeless situations makes him a favorite character, and this popularity has started to show up in the baby name rolls.
Khaleesi
As a baby name, Khaleesi didn't exist before "Thrones." However, in 2012, parents gave 146 babies the name, which made it more popular than the much more traditional names Nadine or Betsy. Writer Martin didn't even intend Khaleesi to be a name – it's actually a title, meaning something akin to queen, that the Dothraki people gave Daenerys Targaryen when she married their leader. That particular fact hasn't stopped parents inspired by the beauty, strength and intensity of the series' resident dragon-mother, though.
Jorah
Meaning: Early rain; casting forth
The traditional name Jorah is also the moniker of the exiled knight in "Game of Thrones" who advises and protects Daenerys. The Biblical unisex name shares an origin with the more common name Jordan.
